Welcome to the 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway'

The original Somerset and Dorset Railway closed very controversially in 1966. It is time that decision, made in a very different world, was reversed. We now have many councillors, MPs, businesses and individuals living along the line supporting us. Even the Ministry of Transport supports our general aim. The New S&D was formed in 2009 with the aim of rebuilding as much of the route as possible, at the very least the main line from Bath (Britain's only World Heritage City) to Bournemouth (our premier seaside resort); as well as the branches to Wells, Glastonbury and Wimborne. We will achieve this through a mix of lobbying, trackbed purchase and restoration of sections of the route as they become economically viable. With Climate Change, road congestion, capacity constraints on the railways and now Peak Oil firmly on the agenda we are pushing against an open door. We already own Midford just south of Bath, and are restoring Spetisbury under license from DCC, but this is just the start. There are other established groups restoring stations and line at Midsomer Norton and Shillingstone, and the fabulous narrow gauge line near Templevcombe, the Gartell Railway.

There are now FIVE sites being actively restored on the S&D and this blog will follow what goes on at all of them!
Midford - Midsomer Norton - Gartell - Shillingstone - Spetisbury


Our Aim:

Our aim is to use a mix of lobbying, strategic track-bed purchase, fundraising and encouragement and support of groups already preserving sections of the route, as well as working with local and national government, local people, countryside groups and railway enthusiasts (of all types!) To restore sections of the route as they become viable.
Whilst the New S&D will primarily be a modern passenger and freight railway offering state of the art trains and services, we will also restore the infrastructure to the highest standards and encourage steam working and steam specials over all sections of the route, as well as work very closely with existing heritage lines established on the route.

This blog contains my personal views. Anything said here does not necessarily represent the aims or views of any of the groups currently restoring, preserving or operating trains over the Somerset and Dorset Railway!

Sunday, December 07, 2014

new DVD available



Just released, and just added to the New S&D's online shop, is the superb new DVD from 1st Take, covering the branch lines of Somerset, some of which crossed or interacted with the S&D.

Priced at just £14.95 (plus 50p post and packing) all profits go directly to the New S&D to help restore our magnificent line. Orders placed before 20 December will reach UK addresses in time for Christmas. We do only have a small stock though so please order early!

wanted at midsomer norton



The SDRHT at Midsomer Norton continues to look for a volunteer who can take on the role of minute taker for the Company so if you can help please contact Steve Ehrlicher on sehrlicher@phonecoop.coop

Likewise email Steve if you have skills for the role of Head of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering as we recommence train operations.  We will also be starting work on the restoration of the BSK in early Spring so that we have a two coach maroon train for the March 2016 commemorations and if anyone would like to help on this project and would be available on Monday working parties please email John Baxter on jbncer@btinternet.com

Saturday, December 06, 2014

tuck in tomorrow at midsomer norton!



Midsomer Norton South station - Sunday 7th December 2014 -- Buffet car open 10am --4pm. Full English breakfast served between 10-11.45am - Sunday roast this week is roast beef & Yorkshire pudding - roast potatoes served with fresh vegetables of the day - also hot and cold snacks available throughout the day .

Friday, December 05, 2014

7F at Midsomer Norton!



The first 7F to appear on track at Midsomer Norton will be over the weekend of 13th/14th December 2014.  No, not the full size version but a live steam 5 inch gauge model which will be providing train rides on both days from 11.30 to 13.00 and 13.30 to 16.00, so do come along and take a ride.  53808 and 53809 will eventually steam at our station but we need to get the next section to Chilcompton open first.